A resurgent men’s first XV put on an impressive display against Halifax RUFC at Brompton Lodge whilst the ladies’ first XV hosted local rivals Wensleydale Heifers in a hotly contested league fixture.

The men’s first XV had taken a much-needed rest week last weekend after several games on the bounce had ended in a chastening result. The team looked fresh as they came onto the field, the game starting with North setting a high tempo matched with plenty of physicality. Possession in the early exchanges was shared between the teams as both sides struggled to command the breakdown. North established a strong attacking position with a lineout inside the Halifax 22-metre area and the customary catch and drive routine took over. A couple of attempts later, Phil Swall bundled his way over in the corner at the back of the maul to open the scoring. Halifax continued to press the host’s defence whenever in possession and showed what attacking potential they had by finding gaps to run into, however some excellent work at the breakdown and the lineout from North’s back row of Billy Burgin, George Spink and James Burke proved their undoing.
A tap penalty taken quickly by Halifax in the middle of the pitch found North lapsing in concentration momentarily and through some slick handling and fast feet they found their way into the corner of the pitch to score a try in response. This score opened the game up and it wasn’t too long before North were pressing again. This time it was the turn of the backs to light up the show with a line break from debutant centre Shayne Anderson saw him carve through the defence before throwing a long pass to winger Ross Easdon in space who cantered in the score. Bainbridge kicked the conversion to extend the lead which North held until the end of the half. Not content with a simple run in, Easdon demonstrated his quick feet early in the second half. An attacking scrum provided the solid platform for Anderson to throw a pin point mis-pass that set Easdon into a one-on-one situation. Leaving his opposite man for dead, he stepped round him and dived over in the corner. Much of the second half saw the teams battling it out in the middle of the pitch. The odd interlude coming from line breaks from Spink and company in the pack. Halifax proved they were not out of the contest yet though and drove their way through some direct running into the Northallerton half before forcing the ball over the line to score another try. The conversion was kicked successfully to narrow the margin. With only a handful of minutes left to play, and the game finely poised, an attacking scrum close to the try line at the clubhouse end offered Spink the chance to pick the ball and swat away two tackles on his way over the try line to score the last try of the day and seal the victory for North. Bainbridge kicked the conversion from the touchline, a feat most spectators have become accustomed to seeing.
The rest of the match became an exercise in game management for the home side as, despite some ferocious ball carrying from Halifax, they managed to see out the last few minutes with some heroic goal line defence. The game finished with a final score of Northallerton 24 – Halifax 12. A crucial win to get the team back onto a solid footing and one that was well earned against a quality opposition. Many thanks to the referee for officiating the game, to Halifax for travelling in good numbers and to the many volunteers who make the game happen.

Northallerton’s ladies’ first XV hosted local rivals Wensleydale RUFC Heifers in their second meeting of the season, this time in the league. Both teams have made strong starts to their campaigns and the contest was one of the more hotly anticipated in the calendar. North started strongly, showing early power in attack and defence. They retained possession well and forced Dale into early mistakes and infringements around the ruck. A succession of pick and go efforts rolled North closer to the goal line where one last pick and go from Aberystwyth’s own Cara Williams saw her clatter through and score the game’s opening try out wide.
North carried on their hard work lead by captain Gina Fothergill. Making consistent hard tackles they held the visitors at bay despite being given a thorough examination with some thundering attacking lines. The remainder of the first half played out with neither side giving an inch in what was a fantastic display of all round rugby abilities as each team member gave their all to the cause.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with North applying early pressure to the visitors through the power of their scrum and the game management of fly half Ellie Readman. With Dale pinned on their own try line, North shipped the ball out wide to winger Amy Parker’s hands as she raced towards the corner flag to score north’s second try and extend their lead. Despite North leading 10-0 on the scoreboard, the game felt very much in the balance as Wensleydale pushed and prodded all parts of the North defence looking for a try. The hosts defended valiantly in a dominant field position until a miscommunication at the ruck presented a turn over opportunity to Dale and they visitors pounced on their chance. Shipping the ball out wide they used the pace of their wingers to race the full length of the pitch and score their breakthrough try.
With both teams' energy levels now running on empty and structure starting to dissipate, Dale were once again able to capitalise on a loose North mistake late in the game and, with a helpful bounce they gathered the ball and sprinted away to score. The vital conversion was kicked to give the visitors the lead for the first time in the game. As the last few seconds ticked away, North tried desperately to find a way through however, the stern defence of the Heifers held firm and the referee blew full time with the score board reading Northallerton 10 – Wensleydale 12.
The celebrations and commiserations showed just how closely the game had been fought and what the victory and defeat meant for either side. A strong performance for Northallerton matched by a defiant display from Dale. Plenty to build on for North going into their home game next weekend in the cup against Old Brodleians. Forward of the match was given to Emma Linthwaite, back of the match given to Lucy Patey and player of the matcha awarded to Gina Fothergill. Many thanks to the referee for officiating the game, to Wensleydale and their supporters for travelling in good numbers and many thanks to the vast number of volunteers and helpers who make the games happen.

Northallerton RUFC would like to pass on their best wishes and a speedy recovery to two former players’ wives who are both undertaking serious medical treatment. Firstly to Caroline Baker who has just come out of hospital following surgery. Caroline is the wife of former Chairman and 3rd XV captain Stu Baker. We wish Caroline a speedy recovery. The club would also like to pass on out regards to Elizabeth Cartwright who is currently having treatment at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton. Elizabeth is the wife of Geoff Cartwright, former Northallerton Fettlers captain who also played at North during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.